TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I work for a major airline based out of Minneapolis which has me traveling 2-4 days out of the week. Fitness is my primary hobby so when I’m home I tend to spend a lot of my free time at Hardware with my “Box Wives” and other friends. I also enjoy raising dogs, working on our new house and attending concerts.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
Body dysmorphia set in at a very young age. I was your typical scared closeted kid who was bullied regularly for being shy and thin. The things I did to get out of gym class…
At 39 I realized that the years of personal training at regular gyms never really made me feel good about myself. I needed to try something very different. So, I decided to give CrossFit a shot. About 6 months in I realized that I was the happiest with myself that I had been in a very long time. Not because of my change in physique, but, because I was becoming good at something athletic and had made all these supportive friends in “gym class”. A whole mental shift. Why didn’t I start this sooner?? Hardware Strength and Conditioning literally changed my life.
I’m the happiest when I leave the gym feeling accomplished and also when I see others succeed. This is what keeps me coming back.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
I’d like to do an entire open season RX’d. But, I’d settle for being able to consistently do all the bar movements at 135.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
5 years ago I was seriously injured on the job. Lumbar/Sacral bulging disc. Couldn’t walk for 2 weeks. Pretty scary stuff. I contacted Hardware when PT cleared me to come back to the gym. The Coaches were knowledgable of my injury, ready to give me scaled options and were very attentive during class understanding squatting was a serious issue. I really felt taken care of with all the advice. I’ll never forget Coach Owen telling me “You know, it’s ok to just NOT back squat ever again”.
The thing I’m most proud of is the patience I developed for putting in the extra work to be able to do what I love.
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
I do love a good Power Clean & OHD movement but I also love TTB.
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
I know I’m supposed to say Burpees…
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
Hardware is by far one of the most safe and welcoming places for anyone who wants to leave a fitness class feeling accomplished and maybe even make some new friends. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish!
There is no “CrossFit Bro” vibe here. There is no High School vibe. Think … The Island of Misfit Toys but with barbells. Everyone is welcome.